Charity Organizations to Give Money to This Holiday Season

Give Where It Counts This Season

This holiday season we're hoping that you're taking our suggestions for giving back by donating used sports gear or giving blood. Another way to help is by donating money to a worthy cause — I know a few people who give money to a charity on friends' behalf instead of buying gifts. If you're afraid of showing up empty handed, don't worry. Many charity groups provide certificates stating that a donation was made by you in your giftee's name.

If you're looking to make a contribution, here are some of our favorite health-related organizations to get you started:

For every dollar that you donate, Feeding America is able to provide seven meals to the men, women, and children facing hunger in the United States.

We love the YMCA because it provides health and fitness programs and gym facilities to individuals who wouldn't normally be able to afford those types of services.

Celebs like Jessica Biel support Live Earth for its commitment to providing clean water to communities across the globe.

These are just a small number of the hundreds of thousands of organizations that need your help. If you have a specific cause that is dear to you, you can look for charities using the websites Charity Navigator or Intelligent Giving.

Check out the Somaly Mam Foundation (www.somaly.org). It was founded by a survior of sexual slavery and works to rescue and rehabilitate these poor sex slaves- some only children. It's absolutely unfathomable the life these women lead.
I just tried to go on their website but it wasn't working right now so maybe check back later.
This year I also donated to the SPCA- the thought of animal cruely or neglect just kills me.